All in all there region produces 77 DOC wines dispersed in 19 distinct wine producing zones. The main zones from west to east and a little on each:

Colli Piacentini

The Ligurians introduced Greek viticulture, the Romans then started cultivating the slopes. Most important wine is 'Gutturino'. Also Vin Santo is made from autoctonous grapes.

Colli di Parma

Rossi di Colli di Parma is made from Barbera and Bonarda grapes. The Malvasia and the Sauvignon are the best whites.

Reggiano and the Colli di Scandiano e di Canossa

Lambrusco territory. The Lambrusca vine was introduced by the Ligurian Gauls but may be native. Three types of Lambrusco made around Modena. Most popular around Reggio Emilia is 'Marani'.

Colli Bolognesi and Reno

The autoctonous wines are Pignoletto and Montuni. The former fights for space with Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco and Riesling while the latter grows along the lower stretch of the Reno river.

Bosco Eliceo and the Vini di Romagna

Sangiovese heartlands. Possibly called after Sanctus Zeus(Sanzvés), the Roman God Jupiter and introduced by the Romans. Also Cagnina di Romagna and Pagadebit di Romagna have a rich history. The Uva d'Oro from the Ravenna coast is ideal with Comacchio's eel dishes.

The remaining wine areas are Lambrusco Salamino di S.Croce, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetra, Colli di Imola, Colli di Faenza and Colli di Rimini.

Many thanks to the APT Servizi Regione Emilia Romagna for the above information. Also consult the website of the Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna - www.enotecaemiliaromagna.it